California-based Crave Robotics has raised US$2 million in its latest seed round to expand its CraveBot hot food vending machine solution across the United States.
The investors include SparkLabs (Taiwan), 500 Global, Onus Global Fulfillment Solutions (the US), and Sanpu Travel (Japan).
The funding will enable the company to establish beta test sites and meet the needs of its locations and customers. “Working with new investor groups provides us with the working capital to leap to the next level, allowing us to get beta test sites into the public arena and, most importantly, to serve the needs of our locations and their customers,” Crave Robotics CEO Paul Chen said.
Also Read: Rise of the machines: 20 robotics startups shaping Southeast Asia’s future
Established in 2023, Crave Robotics provides hotels with smart vending solutions and focuses on streamlining operations and elevating the guest experience. Its flagship product CraveBot offers ready-to-eat meals in under three minutes, targeting the US hospitality industry, specifically branded hotel chains, colleges, and universities. The turnkey solution provides breakfast, snacks, desserts, and dinner entrees stored frozen and replenished via a cold-chain logistics network.
The startup aims to capture a share of the US$353.3 billion online food delivery market by providing on-campus and in-hotel dining options, which will bring revenues back to the college and the hotels.
According to Crave Robotics, hotels can generate additional revenue by offering guests hot food options 24/7 without requiring them to leave the premises. Similarly, colleges and universities can provide convenient and balanced meals to students after cafeteria hours or late at night.
Edgar Chiu, co-founder and Managing Partner of SparkLabs, said, “We invested in Crave Robotics because their innovative CraveBot is redefining hot food delivery, perfectly aligning with SparkLabs Taiwan’s mission to support breakthrough solutions that shape the future of hospitality and education.” said Edgar Chiu, Co-founder and Managing Partner of SparkLabs Taiwan.
Also Read: Why robotics is just entering its prime phase
Mic Inoue Hsieh Sanpu Travel (Tokyo) said, “Our deep foundation in the travel and hospitality industries provides us with a pulse on what travellers are looking for to enhance their travel experience. CraveBot is the wave of the future of food convenience. The United States is embracing the hot-food vending experience as it provides travelers with a truly great food offering in under 3 minutes. Whether grabbing a quick breakfast during the morning rush to a business meeting or enjoying a hot meal late at night, the convenience and speed of service are a game changer and a lifesaver.”
The post SparkLabs Taiwan backs smart vending machine startup Crave Robotics appeared first on e27.